An exciting new scheme which could help people save money on energy bills and cut carbon emissions by investing in solar panels has launched in Solihull.
Solar Together brings Solihull residents, small businesses and community groups together to get high-quality solar panels from qualified installers at a competitive price.
The scheme also offers people optional battery storage and electric vehicle charging points, as well as battery storage for those who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate.
People can sign up for free, without obligation, from Monday 31 March until Friday 6 June, by visiting Solihull Council’s Solar Together webpage. https://www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull/solar-together
Those who register will be entered into an auction, where pre-vetted solar photovoltaic panel (PV) installers will submit bids for the work. The more people registered, the lower prices can be.
They will then be emailed a personal recommendation with information on the winning solar panel installer. If they choose to accept their recommendation, a technical survey for their home will be arranged, before setting an installation date.
Solar Together is run by iChoosr, who are experts in sustainable energy transition. Solihull Council is supporting the scheme to help make the transition to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.
Solihull Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, said:
“Having your own solar panels and battery storage could help you generate your own clean electricity, save money on your energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint – therefore playing an important role in our commitment to tackling climate change.
“With energy prices increasing, it’s a perfect time to consider renewable energy and the long-term savings it can provide on bills, which is why we are pleased to be working with Solar Together to offer this opportunity to people in Solihull for the first time.
"Solar Together provides a great opportunity as by coming together as a group, the enhanced buying power creates more competitive pricing, helping residents to potentially get a better deal on installing solar panels.”
Solihull Council has been supported with grant funding from the Midlands Net Zero Hub towards promoting the scheme.
iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. It has launched 137 group-buying schemes for solar panels since 2012 and over 1.8 million solar panels have been installed for 162,000 households to date.
Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, said:
“With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of Solihull are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid.
“The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.”
If you are a MCS certified solar PV installer operating in the West Midlands area and would like to find out more about becoming part of this growing initiative, you can register your interest until Friday 4 April 2025 by visiting: https://solartogether.co.uk/info/are-you-an-installer
For more information about the Council’s climate change and sustainability campaign and how to get involved, visit the Your Future Solihull webpages, or sign up to the Your Future Solihull newsletter.